Design work begins for downtown sidewalk, electrical improvements

Design work begins for downtown sidewalk, electrical improvements

In this July 27, 2016 file photo, a pedestrian is seen crossing High Street at Monroe Street in downtown Jefferson City.

Photo by
Shelby Rowe
/News Tribune.

The Jefferson City Public Works and Planning Committee has approved plans to improve downtown sidewalks and electrical work for special events.

The group told city staff Thursday to continue work on their recommendations, which called for an estimated $630,000 to plan the work.

The committee had earlier asked the staff to determine the method and costs associated with festival-style electrical connections along High Street. They are looking at a four-block area that includes High Street from Washington Street to Monroe Street and Madison Street from High to Capitol Avenue.

Based on bids received for similar work planned along East Capitol Avenue, the estimate for the downtown electrical work would be $380,000 for all four proposed blocks.

In addition, an estimated $250,000 worth of repairs need to be made to the sidewalk and streets along the downtown portion of High Street to restore them to good condition. Repairs include removal of the remaining trolley tracks under portions of the street and replacement of cracked and deteriorated sidewalk panels.

The total $630,000 cost estimate considers the street and sidewalk repairs along with the electrical work.

With the committee's endorsement, staff will begin the design process and pursue finalization for funding the project, which would require City Council approval. The project could be ready for bid this winter with work beginning next spring.